The Ministry of Railways has announced plans to develop Rishikesh railway station as a feeder station to ease congestion at Haridwar and boost train capacity in the region. This move is expected to improve train connectivity, increase the capacity to operate more trains, and enhance passenger experience, particularly during peak pilgrimage seasons.
A feeder station supports a busier station by originating, terminating, or diverting trains and passengers. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that a master plan is being prepared to create additional capacity and improve connectivity for passengers traveling to and from Haridwar and Rishikesh.
The development of Rishikesh as a feeder station is part of a broader effort to improve railway infrastructure in the region. The Railway Minister also announced plans to redevelop Haridwar and Dehradun railway stations, with a focus on improving facilities for poor and middle-class passengers.
The announcement came after the minister virtually flagged off the Ramnagar-Dehradun Express, the first direct express train connecting the two cities. The train is set to improve connectivity between the Kumaon and Garhwal regions of the state and promote tourism and pilgrimage in the region.
The Ramnagar-Dehradun Express will run as train number 15310/15309, operating every Wednesday and Friday. The train will stop at six stations en route, including Kashipur, Roshanpur, Pipalsana, Moradabad, Najibabad, and Haridwar. It will comprise AC Second Class, AC Third Class, AC Chair Car, Sleeper Class, Second Sitting, and General Second Class coaches.
The introduction of the Ramnagar-Dehradun Express is expected to improve connectivity to popular tourist destinations, including Jim Corbett National Park, the Girija Devi Temple, and the ancient religious sites of Sitamadhi/Sitavani. Passengers will also find it more convenient to access the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit, including Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri, through onward connectivity from Haridwar and Dehradun.
